Lisburn Switched On for Christmas
November 1, 2017
With Christmas just around the corner, the festive season will start with the annual Switching On of the Lights on Thursday 16th November in Market Square, Lisburn.
This ever-popular family event will include pre-parade entertainment from 6.00pm by Lisburn Community Children’s Choir, festive characters, a ‘Cinderella’ Pantomime on the main stage and a lantern parade involving local schoolchildren through the City Centre.
There are a few changes this year so please keep an eye on our Facebook and Twitter accounts in the run up to the event as well as information on our Switch on Competition.
The Mayor, Councillor Tim Morrow, speaking about the event, said: “I am looking forward to welcoming thousands to this annual event; and switching on the City’s Christmas Lights with Santa once the Parade has passed the stage area at 7.15pm. This year there are a few programme changes and we hope that everyone enjoys them. The Parade will leave from Bow Street Mall this year and move up Antrim Street along Bow Street before continuing round the City Centre back to Bow Street Mall.
“The Cinderella Pantomime by Mr Hullabaloo should be very popular with our younger residents and it will be on the main stage from 6.30pm – 7.00pm. Please be advised that there will be limited viewing so come to Market Square early to get a good place. There will be a festive atmosphere on the evening and families are encouraged to come along and enjoy the evening from 6.00pm,” said Councillor Morrow.
With the change of route the Council would remind residents that the Parade will start at Antrim Street after leaving Bow Street Mall. It will return to the Mall after going through the City Centre and along Market Place.
The Mayor added: “The Council is delighted that SERC’s performing arts students will be part of the event as they distribute giveaways to the crowd. Local young people from 1st Granshaw Boy’s Brigade Junior Section, 348th NI Girl’s Brigade, Ballymacash Primary School, Oakwood Integrated Primary School, Seymour Hill Primary School and Tonagh Primary School will take part in the Lantern Parade carrying their homemade lanterns, accompanied by professional carnival performers.”
Santa Claus will make an appearance to wish all the boys and girls a very Merry Christmas.
If you are attending the event, please park in one of the City Centre car parks before joining the festivities in Bow Street and Market Square. The newly refurbished Graham Gardens Car Park is offering FREE car parking from 5.30pm to 9.00pm for those attending the Switch On event.
For further information, please contact the Council on 028 9250 9558.